A huge thank you to Benjamin J. Ryan and Odyssey Books for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
All quotes are taken from Beckoning of the Gate by Benjamin J. Ryan.
// Book Content Warnings: violence, death, sexual assault, harassment // – Please educate yourself on the potential content warnings for this novel before reading, as I may have missed some here.
// Quick Review // A beautifully written and magical tale, the first novel in The Vāyilian Threads series is a masterpiece full of adventure, danger, and high stakes. Unlike any fantasy novel I have read before, Beckoning of the Gate was a fantastically thrilling and compelling journey that left me yearning for more.
---
“‘Your fear is good, Santha. It tells you that you are alive, and drives you to be cautious with that life. The danger you face is very real, but you have been chosen for a reason. Just like you and I were to meet, the path to your destiny is set before you.'”
---
// Other Information // Publisher: Odyssey Books Page Count: 430 pages Release Date: October 7, 2021 Series: The Vāyilian Threads #1 Genre: Fiction, Adult, Young adult, Fantasy, Dark fantasy, High fantasy, Adventure
---
// Book Description (from Goodreads) // The only life Santha Lathagin has ever known has become her prison. Vicious gossip is everywhere. Whispers of a scandal have turned to accusations of murder, and fingers are pointing her way. Feeling powerless and alone, she yearns for escape.
When Santha stumbles upon a small, rusted key in the forest near her home, it seems her silent pleas have been answered. Awakened by her touch, the key demands to be heard—and she is not the only one to heed its call.
Thrust into a world only glimpsed in the stories of her childhood—of faeries and princes and eldritch magick— Santha sets out to unlock its secrets. But uncovering the truth has its own perils, and as the key’s influence grows, she will be left with a choice: survival or sacrifice.
But will it truly be hers to make?
… All the while, in the north, something ancient stirs. A great power that could unravel the very threads of existence.
---
// Characters // The characters within this novel’s pages are rich and full of life. Santha Lathagin, a young woman from a small farm town called Silver Valley in the highlands of southern Seratora, one of the four kingdoms. Santha is going through a rough time in her small town, with rumors of murder surrounding her. Nevertheless, she continues to take care of her goats while staying at her friend Dandon’s school. At first, Santha is presented as a simple yet headstrong young lady with nothing but a simple life. However, when she discovers a mysterious key in the forest, all Santha has known is turned upside down. The key chooses her for a purpose, one which Santha must discover. What Santha doesn’t expect is the interest of wights (fae) in the key.
I admired the evolution of Santha over time. Once she knows her presence draws wights and endangers her town, she decides to leave and discover the purpose of the key. Dandon, however, refuses to let her leave town until she has a basic understanding of survival and wights. This knowledge does not come to her right away, instead, she must work for it. She is a realistic yet strong protagonist who is also likable.
I’ve already mentioned Dandon D’Avery, Silver Valley’s teacher of all things fae, but there are other amazing and fascinating characters that make this story unique. Throughout Santha’s journey, she goes in and out of contact with Erodius Moureaux, a bold and foolhardy young man who becomes obsessed with her (and she, him). Besides Erod, Santha is accompanied by a magical ‘dog’ by the name of Biahnd, who was created by Dandon. Sassy and adorable, Biahnd is the companion anyone on the run would wish for.
The wights, or fae, in this novel are spectacularly created and magical. The challenges they present to Santha add grit and struggle to the story.
---
“‘Let me tell you a little secret. Destiny. Fate. It is not a passageway—narrow, enclosed, predetermined with a destination irrevocably set—but rather, a field as far as the eye can see with any number of routes to take.'”
---
// Writing and Setting // Ryan does a great job of describing everything perfectly with an atmosphere of magic and darkness. The world is so full of depth and history, which the author is fantastic at conveying to the reader.
In this world, there are four kingdoms, two of which are Seratora and Calig. Wights have been around for as long as Santha can remember, but have kept to the shadows for so long that many people regard them as fantasy. “Like the two main societies of fae, the two temperaments: seelie and unseelie. The former were considered to be benevolent in nature, the latter less so, and with an insatiable hatred towards humanity.” The fae follow the orders of the most powerful wights. The entire story is rich with colorful and mystical places, characters, atmosphere, and history.
---
// Plot // As I mentioned earlier, Santha discovers a mysterious key that is essentially a beacon to all wights, though for what, no one knows. This is what Santha must discover: the purpose of the key and why it has chosen her as its keeper. Santha undergoes multiple trials during which she grows as a person. Through loss, chaos, and destruction she must learn her true destiny while protecting those around her.
Beckoning of the Gate was entertaining and fast-paced with nothing unnecessary throughout. I loved every chapter and page, for each added more to a story I could not wait to discover the bittersweet ending to.
---
“Whatever was to come, she made a vow: never again would she let others pay the price for her own choices. No matter the cost to herself.”
---
// Overall Review // I loved the feeling of adventure that Beckoning of the Gate gave me as I read of Santha’s journey to save her world and friends. Unique and mesmerizing, I could not put this book down and loved every moment.
A huge thank you to Jonathan Durham and Credo House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
// Book Content Warnings: death, violence, torture, animal cruelty, blood, stabbings // – Before reading this novel, please be aware that while I try my best to disclose any potential content warnings for novels I review, I may have missed some. Please educate yourself on the CW for this novel before reading, as there are many violent scenes and gruesome details.
// Quick Review // Taking its rightful spot as my favorite book this year (and maybe of all time), Winterset Hollow is an immaculate mixture of good, evil, darkness, and light that had me hooked from beginning to end. Twisted and unexpected, I could not put this novel down until I knew the outcome of the horrific events that took place in this wonderfully mysterious and suspenseful novel.
---
// Other Information // Publisher: Credo House Publishers Page Count: 286 pages Release Date: September 1, 2021 Series: None Genre: Fiction, Adult, Mystery, Fantasy, Dark fantasy, Drama, Horror, Thriller, Suspense, Adventure
---
// Book Description (from Goodreads) // Everyone has wanted their favorite book to be real, if only for a moment. Everyone has wished to meet their favorite characters, if only for a day. But be careful in that wish, for even a history laid in ink can be repaid in flesh and blood, and reality is far deadlier than fiction . . . especially on Addington Isle. Winterset Hollow follows a group of friends to the place that inspired their favorite book-a timeless tale about a tribe of animals preparing for their yearly end-of-summer festival. But after a series of shocking discoveries, they find that much of what the world believes to be fiction is actually fact, and that the truth behind their beloved story is darker and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It’s Barley Day . . . and you’re invited to the hunt.
Winterset Hollow is as thrilling as it is terrifying and as smart as it is surprising. A uniquely original story filled with properly unexpected twists and turns, Winterset Hollow delivers complex, indelible characters and pulse-pounding action as it storms toward an unforgettable climax that will leave you reeling. How do you celebrate Barley Day? You run, friend. You run.
---
// Characters // The novel introduces the reader to a trio of friends by the names of Eamon, Caroline, and Mark. Immediately, I was struck by how real Durham’s characters felt. It was almost as if I could envision them and reach forward to pat them on the shoulder. Their love for one another and friendship was apparent, making me automatically attached to the three.
Eamon is a traumatized man whose childhood first consisted of living in the woods with his seemingly crazy father, then foster homes due to his dad’s disappearance. I couldn’t help but feel bad for Eamon from the start, for he had a confusing and, as I said, traumatic childhood. Caroline is a headstrong and lively woman who is dating the oblivious Mark.
All three are on a trip to Addington Isle, the island which inspired the book Winterset Hollow, a book that got Eamon through his childhood. Yes, everyone, this is a book within a book, so get excited. *MILD SPOILERS* Once the three get to the island, the reader is introduced to the characters within the beloved Winterset Hollow: Runny (a rabbit), Flackwell (a frog), Finn (a fox), and Bing (a bear). These four are adorable at the start, but crueler intentions lay beneath the surface.
The depth of each character and their relationships is so thoroughly written and undeniably realistic. The creativity with which Durham has written his characters is unbelievable.
---
// Writing and Setting // Winterset Hollow is at first glance a fantasy novel that is light and jovial. However, underneath there are many gloomy and disastrous layers that are peeled back and observed throughout the progression of the story.
The atmosphere of the novel is similar to its writing and best described as fantastically layered. One of the most important places in the novel is Addington Isle, the island that is supposedly magical, wonderful, and beautiful.
---
// Plot // There is so much to discuss when it comes to the plot of Winterset Hollow. Not only are there so many terrifying horror and action scenes, but also a string of mysteries can be found throughout.
As I’ve mentioned, Eamon and his friends take a trip to Winterset Hollow‘s place of origin, Addington Isle, home of the book’s author (not Jonathan Durham, instead E. B. Addington). They discover that the characters they grew up loving are real and inhabit Addington Isle. They’re invited to join in the Barley Day feast (a tradition of celebration for the Hollow’s characters), but things take a darker turn as the history of cruelty inflicted upon the Hollow’s animals comes back to haunt Addington Isle’s visitors.
---
// Overall Review // Winterset Hollow is an unforgettable book that is impactful and deeply layered. I loved its twists and turns, characters, atmosphere, and horror. Overall, Winterset Hollow was a fantastic novel that I will never forget.
// Other Information // Publisher: Henry Holt & Company Page Count: 465 pages Release Date: September 29, 2015 Series: Six of Crows #1, Grishaverse #4 Tags: Fiction, Young adult, Fantasy, Romance, LGBTQ+, Adventure, Magic, High fantasy, Dark fantasy
---
// Review // I was very excited to re-enter Bardugo’s Grishaverse by reading Six of Crows. As always, I was late to the game but after finishing the Shadow and Bone trilogy, I was almost unable to hesitate reading the Six of Crows duology.
As always, Bardugo’s writing is straight-up magic. She has a way of transporting the reader to the fascinating worlds she creates. Ketterdam, though far different from Ravka, was just as intriguing.
I was absolutely in love with this novel’s characters. Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, Jesper Fahey, Wylan, Nina Zenik, and Matthias are all flawed, deep, and clearly thought-out characters. I had no trouble distinguishing them from one another—though I did watch the Netflix show prior to reading this, so maybe that helped. Bardugo truly has a gift for creating lovable yet humanly flawed characters that drive the story forward. The depth of her characters is something I admire. I cannot even choose which character was my favorite.
While Six of Crows is primarily a fantasy novel, it has an air of mystery that left me in awe at every turn. Kaz’s aptitude for mysteriousness is undeniable and incredible. Six of Crows was the perfect mixture of action, darkness, and fantasy. I felt most of the pacing was well done, although it did take me a while to read this book. Alas, it was not the book that was lacking… it was my free time.
// Content Warnings: ableist language, body shaming, suicide attempt by self-sacrifice, alcohol consumption, blood and gore depiction, murder and attempted murder, physical and psychological torture, knife and gun violence, kidnapping, hostage situation, war themes, emesis, airship accident, death of a loved one, physical assault, animal death //
// Quick Review // While I didn’t enjoy Siege and Storm as much as I enjoyed Shadow and Bone, I loved the new characters and the exciting new information gained about the Grishaverse series’ world throughout the novel.
---
// Other Information // Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Page Count: 435 pages Release Date: June 4, 2013 Series:Shadow and Bone #2 Tags: Fiction, Young adult, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Adventure, Magic, High fantasy, Dark fantasy, Dark, YA fantasy
---
// Review // I thoroughly enjoyed the sequel to Shadow and Bone. I cannot believe that I waited this long to read a series this entertaining and brilliant. Although I did not enjoy Siege and Storm as much as the first novel in the series, I loved re-entering the rich world that Leigh Bardugo created.
Fair warning, there will be spoilers for Shadow and Bone in this review. Leave now or forever hold your peace.
The novel takes place after the events of the first. Mal and Alkina have escaped the Darkling—for now—and are staying low in the hopes of retaining their freedom. The book jumps right into the action with the discovery that the Darkling did survive the ending of Shadow and Bone… and he has a new power that has made him supposedly stronger than ever before. Alina is thrown back into the dangerous ambitions of the Darkling, who won’t rest until he is able to control all of Ravka—and the world.
Just like the first book, the setting is magnificently built and described. The world-building of the entire series is excellent, but I do wish that Bardugo would delve more into the other countries besides Ravka. Perhaps this will happen in the last novel or the other series (I am currently reading Ruin and Rising… wish me luck).
Though showcasing characters from the first book, Siege and Storm also introduces us to the characters of Sturmhond/Nikolai, Tamar, and Tolya. Nikolai quickly became my favorite character of the entire series so far, and I cannot wait to see what happens with his character. As always, the characters were deep, realistic, and compelling.
With the introduction of Nikolai came another love interest and struggle in Alina’s life. Personally, I am still here for Mal and Alina’s relationship. I think that their history together makes their relationship truly important, and Mal does not wish to use Alina for political gain unlike Nikolai or the Darkling. However, I would not be entirely upset if Nikolai and Alina do end up together… he’s Nikolai, I mean, come on!
The plot itself was fantastic and moved at a quick pace, though there were some parts that felt slow and drawn-out. I enjoyed the new discoveries that were made along the way and cannot wait to find out the next piece of the puzzle.
My favorite part of this book was Alina’s character development. In the first novel, she is hesitant, weak, and kind. She hesitates to kill an animal despite what her hesitation puts at stake—her life and those of many others across the entire world. In Siege and Storm, she becomes much more powerful, ruthless, and quick to take control. I honestly hope that she becomes a villain somewhat. I think it would complete her character arc and really drive home the point that is brought up many times throughout the series—“What is infinite? The universe and the greed of men.” – Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone
Overall, Siege and Storm is a solid sequel and build-up to the finale of the Shadow and Bone trilogy. I hope to be reviewing Ruin and Rising soon because I cannot wait to find out what happens to Alina Starkov and her friends.
// Content Warnings: classism, victim blaming, facial difference discrimination, persecution for witchcraft (mentioned), rape and sexual assault (recounted), parental abandonment (implied), trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide attempt as self-sacrifice (recounted), alcohol consumption, blood and gore depiction, dead bodies, eyeball trauma, branding, physical sickness and scars, death of a brother, son, girlfriend, and friend (recounted), murder and attempted murder, explosions, knife violence, physical assault, poisoning, captivity, blackmail, hostage situation, exile/banishment, war themes, animal death (recounted), and hunting //
// Quick Review // Ruin and Rising is a stunning yet bittersweet conclusion to the Shadow and Bone trilogy. Filled with shocking and saddening moments, the final installment to the dark fantasy series had me absolutely entranced and wanting for more.
---
// Other Information // Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Page Count: 422 pages Release Date: June 17, 2014 Series: Shadow and Bone #3 Tags: Fiction, Young adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Magic, High fantasy, Dark fantasy, YA fantasy
---
// Review // Fair warning, there will be spoilers for Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm in this review. Leave now or forever hold your peace.
Ruin and Rising starts right after the end of Siege and Storm with beloved characters far below ground under the Apparat’s watch. The previous two novels build up to the key moments in this novel and much—but not all—of Ruin and Rising lived up to my expectations.
Leigh Bardugo’s writing is almost magical, transporting readers to a chaotic and dark Ravka on the brink of destruction. The stakes are high in this conclusion, and I was constantly aching to know what would happen next and which one of my favorite characters might not make it out. The setting was absolutely stunning. Bardugo was able to paint a hopeless, gritty scene that made me hold my breath.
I fell even more in love with all of the characters throughout this story. Most importantly, I loved Mal and Alina’s character development. I was not crazy about Mal as a character in the earlier novels, though I did enjoy his and Alina’s relationship. Ruin and Rising shows them at their lowest, but also shows the growth of their connection. Alina’s evolution throughout the novels is truly brilliant. Alina is the perfect example of the human hunger for power and how quickly it can corrupt those who defiantly oppose it in others. I was in support of Alina becoming a villain, but I think that Alina’s development here is a perfect juxtaposition to the Darkling and adds more to both of their characters.
The plot focuses mainly on politics and the war, which I thought would become tiresome. However, Ruin and Rising is just as entertaining as others. There were many twists and turns that took me completely by surprise but thankfully didn’t come out of nowhere. They made sense but were also intriguing and unexpected.
Unfortunately, I am somewhat disappointed with the ending of the novel. The final battle between Alina and the Darkling was very underwhelming and rushed. There were some shocking moments, but overall I was frustrated with the pacing and the events. The results of the battle seemed to completely undermine the excellent character development that took place throughout the entire series. However, I also understand the need for some of the events. My main issue is the handling of Alina’s power, which I dislike completely and feel is totally ridiculous considering her struggle to utilize them and let them not take control of her. It is especially frustrating since Alina is the main character.
The ending of the novel does accomplish some good things. It would have been completely unrealistic had there been an entirely happy ending. The bittersweet ending that occurs felt real, saddening, yet understandable. It is the one part of the ending I enjoyed besides Mal and Alina’s relationship.
Overall, Ruin and Rising is a good conclusion to the Shadow and Bone trilogy that I had fun reading. Books hardly ever make me emotional, but I did almost shed a tear or two during the final battle. Didn’t think I would feel bad for the Darkling in this book, but here we are.